Cushing's Disease

The following article was composed by Rachel Peeples, DVM

Cushings Disease is characterized by too much glucocorticoid production.  Animals with Cushings typically present with chronic infections usually of the bladder, ears or skin, loss of hair, loss of muscle, weakness, increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and calcium deposits in the skin.  Treatment varies with the type of cushings (i.e. Is it a primary problem with the adrenal gland or a problem with the pituitary gland which controls the adrenal gland).  The most common therapy is with a drug that selectively kills the cells that produce the glucocorticoids.  One does have to be very careful with treatment not to over or underdo it. Overdoing it results in Addison's disease, underdoing it results in failure to correct the Cushing's disease.

Incidentally, Cushings Disease can be caused by high levels of prednisone or prednisilone for long periods of time.  Addison's disease can be caused by treating with prednisone or prednisilone for long periods of time and then stopping suddenly.  Both of the cases are correctable by appropriate changes in medication.

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